In the UK there is no hard and fast rule as to how long a tyre should last and as a result many older, low mileage cars are fitted with older rubber. As a guide, most safety organisations suggest a tyre should be no older than 5-6 years in use and that when a tyre reaches 10 years old it should be replaced regardless of visual condition, because rubber grows hard and can perish with age. With commercial vehicles and buses and coaches there is a strict 10-year rule and we believe this should also apply to cars, though replacing them sooner is certainly sensible. Bear in mind, too, that some tyres are better quality than others. A budget tyre could show signs of deterioration much sooner. The responsibility for tyre condition lies with the driver of the vehicle and the truth is that you should check the condition of your tyres before setting out on any journey.